[Hiring] Internal Communications Specialist II @University of Rochester

Role Description

Are you an exceptional writer who knows how to make complex information clear, engaging, and easy to understand? The University of Rochester is seeking a talented communications professional with exceptional writing and editing skills to join our HR Communications team. This role is ideal for a versatile writer who can translate complicated information into clear, compelling communications for a large and diverse employee audience.

Writing is at the heart of this position. You’ll develop communications across a wide range of formats—from employee emails and newsletters to benefits communications, guides, web content, leadership messages, and campaigns. You’ll work closely with subject matter experts and communications colleagues to understand what employees need to know and turn that information into content that is accurate, accessible, and engaging. The role also supports communications planning, project management, and the execution of major HR and Total Rewards initiatives.

What You’ll Do:

• Write and edit high-quality employee communications across multiple channels and formats, including emails, newsletters, web content, guides, enrollment materials, home mailings, presentations, and promotional materials.
• Translate complex HR, benefits, and policy information into clear, concise, and employee-friendly, compliant language.
• Interview and collaborate with subject matter experts to identify key messages, anticipate employee questions, and develop communications that connect with the intended audience.
• Adapt voice, tone, and level of detail for different audiences while maintaining University brand and editorial standards.
• Edit and proofread materials for clarity, accuracy, consistency, grammar, and style.
• Develop communications plans and content to support HR and Total Rewards programs, initiatives, and campaigns.
• Manage multiple writing assignments and communications projects simultaneously, often working against competing deadlines.
• Partner with HR Communications colleagues, HR leaders, vendors, and other University teams to coordinate communications and ensure timely execution.
• Help evaluate communications effectiveness and identify opportunities to continually improve how we communicate with employees.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least two years of relevant communications experience.
• Outstanding writing and editing skills.
• Ability to organize information and identify the most important message.
• Sound judgment when handling sensitive information.
• Strong project-management and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with subject matter experts and colleagues.

Requirements

• Writing Samples Required - Because exceptional writing is essential to success in this role, applicants must submit writing samples along with their resume.
• Please provide two to three professional writing samples that demonstrate your ability to communicate clearly and effectively to different audiences.
• We are particularly interested in samples that show your ability to:
  • Translate complex information into clear, accessible language.
  • Write engaging employee, corporate, or organizational communications.
  • Adapt your writing style and tone for different audiences or communications channels.
• Samples may include employee communications, articles, newsletters, executive communications, web content, emails, communications campaigns, or similar professional work. Please briefly identify the intended audience and your role in developing each piece.

Benefits

• Compensation Range: $61,000.00 - $85,400.00
• The referenced pay range represents the minimum and maximum compensation for this job. Individual annual salaries/hourly rates will be set within the job's compensation range, determined by factors including market data, education, experience, qualifications, expertise of the individual, and internal equity considerations.

Company Description

The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Characteristics). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates, for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.